Elongate blade golf putter

ABSTRACT

A golf putter ( 10 ) and putter head ( 15, 32, 44, 51, 61, 75, 85, 93  and  215 ) having an elongate flat blade ( 16, 36, 46, 56, 66, 76, 86, 96  and  216 ) for contacting a golf ball ( 20 ). The elongate flat blade ( 16, 36, 46, 56, 66, 76, 86, 96  and  216 ) is of narrow width, while the body ( 34, 52, 64, 94  and  118 ) can be more conventional in size. The head ( 15, 32, 44, 51, 61, 75, 85, 93  and  215 ) has a contact area ( 24 ) between the blade ( 16, 36, 46, 56, 66, 76, 86, 96  and  216 ) and the golf ball ( 20 ) which is linear, and of narrow width. The contact area ( 24 ) on the ball ( 20 ) is horizontal in orientation. Additionally, the contact area ( 24 ) on the ball ( 20 ) usually spans the dimple ( 22 ) diameter. Further provided is a golf putter head ( 310, 320, 330 ) having a front edge ( 313, 323, 333 ) of narrow width which has a radius less than that of a golf ball. The putter head ( 310, 320, 330 ) has a contact area with the golf ball which is linear, and of narrow width. The contact area on the golf ball is horizontal in orientation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/672,185, filed Sep. 26, 2003.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to golf equipment, and moreparticularly to golf putters having an elongate blade. Specifically, theinvention relates to a golf putter head which has a contact area betweenthe elongate blade and the golf ball having a geometry which is linear,of narrow width, and which has a contact area that is essentiallyhorizontal.

(2) Description of the Related Art

The traditional putter has a vertical blade with a flat surface and avertical height usually one inch (25 mm) or greater. Subsequenttraditional putters have a similar geometry on the face allowing forflat, convex, but not concave faces. The contact surface is oftendistinguished by the shape of the mass behind the vertical face. Therehave been putters with curved contact faces from heel to toe on theputter. This feature is permissible under United States Golf Association(U.S.G.A.) rules. There also have been putters that are totallycylindrical in geometry. Existing putters come in many sizes andgeometries. There is often heel to toe weighting to resist the turningof the vertical positioned putter blade.

The rules of golf equipment are controlled by the U.S.G.A. for America.The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R.&A.) is the governingauthority for the rules of golf in more than one hundred affiliatednations. More recently, in a written ‘statement of principles’ publishedjointly by the R.&A. and the U.S.G.A., it was acknowledged that,“History has proved that it is impossible to foresee the developments ingolf equipment which advancing technology will deliver.” However, boththe R.&A. and the U.S.G.A. remain vigilant when considering theequipment rules. The main objective of U.S.G.A. Rules 4 and 5 andAppendices II and III is to protect golf's best traditions, to preventan over-reliance on technological advances rather than skill, and toensure that skill is the dominant element of success throughout thegame. Therefore, any club design must consider these rules if the clubis to be deemed legal by the governing authorities of golf. Any puttermust be compatible with the U.S.G.A. rules of golf in regards to beingplain in shape, with runners that do not extend into the face, a widththat is greater than the depth, a face without concavity, a face angleof no more than fifteen degrees, and an angle of shaft to the head often degrees incline or greater.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,730,529 to Donofrio teaches a stroke indicating golfclub operable for visually presenting the area of contact of the clubhead with the golf ball. The club can also be used for normal golfing.The club has a plurality of pins extending forward and backward throughthe club head which are displaced physically upon contact with the ballto retain a contact impression of the golf ball with the club head.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,165,076 to Cella teaches a putter with the blade faceformed with a longitudinal edge, which is the normal ball strikingcomponent of the golf club, being located above the center line of theball in blade striking position. On the reverse side of the blade thereis provided a secondary ball striking edge located below the center lineof the ball.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,122 to Longo teaches a golf putter having a headdesigned to function effectively, both on the green and on the fringe aswell as in the higher grass areas. The head has a rectangular body witha flat base formed with comb-like longitudinal ridges or runners whichserve to part grass blades during forward and backward movement. Thehead is a horizontal, upwardly positioned ball striking surface and hasa downwardly tapered top surface having a ball pick-up socket at itsrear edge.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,987 to Perkins et al. teaches a golf putter having aclub head with a striking face comprising a striking edge defined by atleast two substantially planar surfaces which engages a golf ball at apoint below the center of the golf ball.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,439 to Azzarella teaches a putter for impartingrotation to a golf ball during putting. The putter includes a clubhandle with a sole plate attached to a lower end thereof. A face plateprojects from a forward edge of the sole plate and is oriented at anorthogonal angle relative to the plate. A frictional insert is mountedwithin a slot of the face plate and operates to impart a rotation to theball during contact.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,675 to Micciche et al. teaches a golf putter headadaptor for providing a putter head with an elastomeric strikingsurface. The adaptor includes a central portion adapted to cover asubstantial portion of the striking surface of a putter head, an upperlip portion adapted to engage the top surface of a putter head and abottom lip portion adapted to engage the bottom surface of a putterhead. The adaptor also includes an elastomeric portion associated withthe central portion of the attachment layer such that it covers asufficient portion of the striking surface of the putter head to allowthe striking of a golf ball exclusively with the elastomeric portion ofthe striking surface. Micciche et al. also teach a putter including theputter head adaptor and a snap-on putter head adaptor for providing anelastomeric striking surface to a putter head. The putter head adaptorcan be employed to adapt an existing putter to provide it with anelastomeric striking surface and it can be removed and exchanged inorder to adapt the putter to the prevailing playing conditions.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,644 to Donofrio teaches an insert member for a golfputter. One face of the insert is adapted to fittingly engage theputting face of a head of the golf putter. The other face of the insert,which engages the golf ball, comprises a regular, elongated, curvedsurface such as an arc section of a cylinder. The elongated curvedsurface is longitudinally positioned in alignment with a longitudinalaxis of the putter head and is preferably of a dimension and positionfor putting engagement with a golf ball below the equator of the ball.The insert is comprised of titanium, titanium alloy, anodized aluminum,or high strength plastic.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,934 to Pinns teaches a putter. In one form, the clubhas a head with a ground engaging surface and a ball striking surfaceand an elongate shaft which is connected to the head. The ball strikingsurface extends upwardly from the ground engaging surface apredetermined distance that is no more than 0.8 inches (20.3 mm).

U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,423 to Webb teaches a golf club head withinterchangeable pads or inserts, each of which is composed of materialhaving a different density. The mounting face detachably anchors orholds the selected pad or insert in place by screws, clips, adhesive orthe like. Guides are provided on the club head for aligning the pad orinsert with the mounting face.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,340,336 to Loconte teaches a putter head for a golf clubdesigned to strike the upper portion only of a golf ball. The club facehas an upper vertical face and a lower face constructed at such an angleaway from the golf ball so as to prevent contact with the lower part ofthe golf ball. Additionally, the shaft connects to the club head on theside of the club head for right or left handed golfers. Alternatively,the shaft connects intermediate of the club head having grooves thereinfor insertion of weights onto the upper leading and trailing edges ofthe putter head for balancing the putter head.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,894 to Sun et al. teaches a golf putter head havinga central portion made of a relatively light weight material such as alight alloy of extruded aluminum or extruded plastic alloy. The centralportion can be extruded. The face plate can be formed from a lightpolymer or rubber material. The toe and heel portions of the head areseparately formed of a relatively heavy material such as sinteredtungsten or tungsten copper. The toe and heel portions are similar toeach other and are attached to the central portion by means of pins aswell as screws which engage threads formed in the central portion.Employing a central portion which is much lighter in weight than the endportions provides an anti-twisting motion of inertia to the club head.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,598 to Miller teaches a golf club with a wedge face,a rounded sole, and a putting face located along a blade area betweenthe wedge face and a front portion of the rounded sole. The putting faceis located at a height above the crown of the rounded sole so that theputting face strikes a golf ball above the equator of the ball to imparttop spin when putting.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,450 to Klyve teaches a golf club of the putter type,with a club head with a level, vertical or largely vertically positionedstrike area. The strike area is arranged as a lengthwise extendedtension bar, which is clamped to two fastening clamps at the oppositeends of the club head. The tension bar has, in an area between the twoopposite end parts, a main part which extends freely over a hollow inthe club head.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,865 to Fioretti teaches a golf putter which has avertical arcuate striking face wherein the height of the striking faceis at least as high as the diameter of a golf ball. The arcuate face ispreferably in the shape of the contour of a golf ball. The putter headhas a top surface with a top face edge, a bottom surface with a bottomface edge, rear and opposing edge faces and a vertical arcuate strikingface extending from the bottom face edge to the top face edge so thatthe top face edge overhangs the bottom face edge.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,524,193 to Devore teaches a golf putter head which has acylindrical body with a defined flat face on top. The body is made up ofan outer shell of an aluminum alloy and an inner core of brass. The headhas a groove across the flat face of the top and at its center, withindicator material carried in the groove for alignment purposes. Thehead is sized so that the convex surface of the cylindrical body, at itswidest point, will strike a golf ball at its corresponding widest point.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,678 to Johnson teaches a golf putter that has aninterchangeable striking face, while maintaining the same head, shaftand grip. The various striking faces are made of different materialswith different rebound characteristics.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,721 to Woodward et al. teaches a golf club headcomprising a main body that defines a front face. The front faceincludes projections extending from the front face. The ends of theprojections define a plurality of individual contact surfaces forstriking a golf ball. The projections prevent a golf ball fromcontacting the front face thereby resulting in a change of the golf ballgeneral contact area.

U.S. Design Pat. No. D396257 to Spano teaches an ornamental design for agolf club head. It is not clear from the drawings how the club is used.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,060 to Wooten teaches a putter having a putter headthat includes a forward portion and a tail portion extending oppositefrom the forward portion. The forward portion includes a laterallyextending, rounded, forward top surface and a laterally extending,rounded striking surface that extends forward and downward from theforward top surface. The forward portion further includes a laterallyextending, planar, forward bottom surface extending rearward from thestriking surface. The tail portion is generally coextensive with theforward portion and includes a laterally extending, rounded, tail topsurface, and a laterally extending, rounded, tail bottom surface, whichterminates in a rearmost tail tip. The putter forward portion defines aforward cavity and the tail portion defines a tail cavity, each of whichare filled with lead so as to add weight to the putter head. U.S. DesignPat. Nos. D350,998 and D345,190 to Wooten teach ornamental designs forgolf putter heads having a similar appearance to these putters.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,307 to Rife teaches a putter type golf club headhaving a weight distribution formed by a cavity in the upper surfacewhereby the predominance of the weight of the head is at the heel, toeand bottom portions thereof. The head has a ball striking face having aloft no greater than three degrees.

U.S. Design Pat. No. D435,879 to Jackson and D388,852 to Giordano teachornamental designs for golf putter heads.

The physics of the putter contact area with the golf ball is importantin the development of a golf putter. It is germane to this descriptionto review the physics of the putter contact area with the golf ball. Thetypical force of impact during putting results in little or nodeformation of the ball in contrast to the impact imparted by other golfclubs, especially the driver. Therefore, the contact area results inminimal deformation of the ball. Typically, the contact is limited tothe surface of the golf ball and does not progress to the base of thegolf ball's dimples. The striking face of the putter (whether atraditional curved face having a radius of that of a golf ball orgreater or a perfectly straight face) makes less than 0.125 in² (80.6mm²) of contact with the spherical golf ball. The geometry of thecontact area is circular whether created with a flat or a traditionalcurved putter face existing in the art. It would be coincidental if thearea contacted by the blade of the ball symmetrically surrounded anysingle dimple to produce an even surface of contact. The usual contactarea is varied and is rarely symmetrical. The perfect circular contactarea would allow the resultant direction to be along any of the 360°.The asymmetrical contact area also possibly has a resultant angulardirection force depending upon how the blade contacted the irregularsurface of the golf ball.

While the related art describes alternative ways to address improvingputter performance, there is still a need for a superior solution.

OBJECTS

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide animproved putter. It is further an object of the present invention toprovide a putter with a geometry such that the contact area between theputter and the ball at impact is linear and essentially horizontal.These and other objects will become increasingly apparent by referenceto the following description and the drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a golf putter having a shaft with a gripat a proximal end and a head at a distal end of the shaft for contactinga golf ball on the ground during putting of the golf ball, theimprovement in the head which comprises an elongate blade having opposedends, with a top side and a bottom side, and a first linear edgeextending therebetween, wherein the top side of the blade is mounted onthe distal end of the shaft and the first linear edge acts as a strikingface for the golf ball and strikes the golf ball in an essentiallylinear contact area horizontal to the ground.

In further embodiments of the golf putter, the striking face is curvedwith a radius of curvature less than a radius of the golf ball. In stillfurther embodiments of the golf putter, the head is configured so thatduring use the striking face is optimally aligned to the golf ball alonga horizontal plane of the ball. In still further embodiments of the golfputter, the striking face is sharp, pointed, flat, or curved. In stillfurther embodiments of the golf putter, a single groove extends along alength of the striking face. In still further embodiments of the golfputter, the striking face is capable of striking the golf ball at,above, or below a median of the golf ball. In still further embodimentsof the golf putter, the blade is tapered between the first linear edgeand a second linear edge parallel to the first linear edge. In stillfurther embodiments the putter head comprises weights in the posterior,inferior of the putter head.

The present invention provides a golf putter having a shaft with a gripat a proximal end and a head at a distal end of the shaft for contactinga golf ball on the ground during putting of the golf ball, theimprovement in the head which comprises an elongate blade having opposedends, with a top side and a bottom side, and a first linear edgeextending therebetween, wherein the top side of the blade is mounted onthe distal end of the shaft and the first linear edge acts as a strikingface for the golf ball and strikes the golf ball in an essentiallylinear contact area horizontal to the ground, and a runner provided onthe bottom side of the blade wherein during putting, the runner acts asa rest and to space the bottom side of the blade from the ground.

In further embodiments of the golf putter, the runner extends betweenthe first linear edge and a second liner edge, and is convexly roundedbetween the linear edges. In further embodiments the runner is ahemisphere of varying radius. In still further embodiments of the golfputter, a bottom of the head is convexly rounded between the ends of theblade. In still further embodiments of the golf putter, weights ofvarious grams are variously mounted on the head which act to stabilizethe head during putting. The weights may be a combination of central,peripheral, anterior, middle, posterior, inferior or superior inposition. In still further embodiments of the golf putter, the bottom ofthe head is provided with a convexly rounded semi-circular protrusionextending from the blade as the runner. In still further embodiments ofthe golf putter, the head is metal or metal substitute. In still furtherembodiments of the golf putter, the blade is metal or metal substituteand having a non-metal portion on the top and bottom sides of the blade.In still further embodiments of the golf putter, the shaft of the putteris mounted on the top side of the blade adjacent to the first linearedge where the edge strikes the ball. In still further embodiments ofthe golf putter, the shaft of the putter is mounted at the center of thetop side of the blade. In still further embodiments of the golf putter,the striking face is less than one half of the diameter of the golf ballthick between the sides defining the first linear edge.

In still further embodiments of the golf putter, the head is configuredso that during use the striking face is optimally aligned to the golfball along a horizontal plane of the ball. In still further embodimentsof the golf putter, the striking face is sharp, pointed, flat, orcurved. In still further embodiments of the golf putter, a single grooveextends along a length of the striking face. In still furtherembodiments of the golf putter, the striking face is curved with aradius of curvature less than a radius of the golf ball. In stillfurther embodiments of the golf putter, the striking face is capable ofstriking the golf ball at, above, or below a median of the golf ball. Instill further embodiments of the golf putter, the blade is taperedbetween the first linear edge and a second linear edge parallel to thefirst linear edge. In still further embodiments the putter headcomprises weights in the posterior, inferior of the putter head.

The present invention provides a modular putter head for attachment to ahead of an existing putter which comprises an elongate blade with afirst linear edge extending between ends of the blade and top and bottomsides of the blade, and forming a striking face for a golf ball, whichduring putting strikes the ball in an essentially linear, horizontalline of contact, and with a second linear edge parallel to the firstlinear edge and extending between the ends of the blade, and attachmentmeans for securing the blade to the head of the putter.

In further embodiments of the putter head, the bottom side of the bladeprovides a runner which is adjacent to a ground and the top side isattached to a shaft. In still further embodiments of the putter head,the runner is narrow and convexly curved, so that in use the runnerminimizes skidding against the ground. In still further embodiments ofthe putter head, the blade is tapered between the first linear edge anda second linear edge parallel to the first linear edge. In still furtherembodiments the putter head comprises weights in the posterior, inferiorof the putter head.

The present invention provides a method of training a golfer to perfecta stroke for putting a golf ball which comprises gripping a golf putterhaving a shaft with a grip at a proximal end and a head for contactingthe golf ball during putting at a distal end of the shaft, for putting agolf ball, the improvement in the head which comprises an elongate bladewith a first linear edge as a striking face for the golf ball betweenends of the blade and parallel side of the blade, which edge duringputting strikes the ball in an essentially linear horizontal line ofcontact, and with a second linear edge parallel to the first linear edgebetween the ends of the blade, and stroking the ball repeatedly with theputter to perfect the stroke for putting of the golf ball. This methodcan train the golfer by developing psychomotor skills required toachieve optimal stroke for the subsequent roll of the golf ball.

In further embodiments of the method, a bottom of the sides of the bladeprovides a runner which is adjacent to a ground and a top of the sidesis attached to the shaft. In still further embodiments of the method,the blade is tapered between the first linear edge and a second linearedge parallel to the first linear edge. In still further embodiments theputter head comprises weights in the posterior, inferior of the putterhead.

The present invention provides a golf putter for fitting to anindividual golf stroke comprising a shaft with a proximal end and adistal end, attachment means for pivotably attaching a putter head tothe distal end of the shaft, an elongate blade having opposed ends and atop side and a bottom side, and pivotably attached on the top side tothe attachment means allowing for selection of a desired angle of theblade relative to the shaft, one or more weights removably connected tothe elongate blade, and an adjustable runner having a height andattached to the bottom side of the elongate flat blade. In furtherembodiments of the golf putter, the weights are attached to the opposedends of the blade. In still further embodiments of the golf putter, theblade is tapered between the first linear edge and a second linear edgeparallel to the first linear edge. This shape with a front to back lowerslope creates a visual image of low to slightly upward motion in puttingpsychomotor skill and stroke.

The present invention provides a method of fitting a golf putter to anindividual golf stroke of a person which comprises the steps ofproviding a golf putter to a person comprising a shaft with a proximalend and a distal end, an attachment means for pivotably attaching aputter head to the distal end of the shaft, an elongate blade havingopposed ends and a top side and a bottom side and pivotably attached onthe top side to the attachment means allowing for selection of a desiredangle of the blade relative to the shaft, one or more weights removablyconnected to the elongate blade, and an adjustable runner having aheight and attached to the bottom side of the elongate flat blade,determining the golf stroke of the person, adjusting a runner height tothe golf stroke of the person, weighting the putter with the one or moreweights to set a center of mass and/or center of gravity of the head toa point behind a contact area of the blade with a golf ball, particularto the golf stroke of the person, pivoting the shaft with respect to theelongate flat blade at a pivot angle to allow the blade to remainparallel to the ground for the particular golf stroke of the person, andmeasuring the runner height, the one or more weights, and the desiredangle for the purpose of fitting the putter to the particular golfstroke of the person. In further embodiments of the method the blade istapered between the first linear edge and a second linear edge parallelto the first linear edge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an elongateflat blade golf putter 10 according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the head 15 of the golf putter 10 ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head 15 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the golf putter head 15 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the golf putter head 15 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-section view of the golf putter head 15 ofFIG. 2 taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7A illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head 15 of FIG. 2 incontact with a golf ball 20.

FIG. 7B illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head 15 of FIG. 2 inoff-center contact with a golf ball 20.

FIG. 7C illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head 15 of FIG. 2 indownward angle of approach to a golf ball 20.

FIG. 7D illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head 15 of FIG. 2 inupward angle of approach to a golf ball 20.

FIG. 8 illustrates a golf ball 20 showing the contact area 24 resultingfrom contact with a putter head 15 according to the present invention.

FIG. 8A illustrates a closer view of the designated region in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of a golf putter 10 of FIG. 2 showingthe contact area 26 resulting from contact with the golf ball 20 of FIG.8.

FIG. 9A illustrates a closer view of the designated region in FIG. 9.

FIG. 9B illustrates a front view of the head 85 of an embodiment of anelongate flat blade golf putter 10 according to the present inventionwith a grooved blade 86.

FIG. 9C illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head 85 of FIG. 9B.

FIG. 9D illustrates a cross-section view of the golf putter head 85 ofFIG. 9B taken along the line 9D-9D of FIG. 9B.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a further embodiment of a golfputter head 44 according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head 44 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of a golf putter head 44 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 illustrates a bottom view of a golf putter head 44 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 illustrates a front view of still a further embodiment of a golfputter head 61 according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head 61 of FIG. 21.

FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of the golf putter head 61 of FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-section view of the golf putter head 61 ofFIG. 14 taken along the line 24-24 of FIG. 14.

FIG. 18A illustrates a heel view of still a further embodiment of a golfputter head 75 according to the present invention with a sharp bladeedge 76A which is sharp at the top.

FIG. 18B illustrates a heel view of still a further embodiment of a golfputter head 75 according to the present invention with a sharp bladeedge 76A which is sharp in the center.

FIG. 18C illustrates a heel view of still a further embodiment of a golfputter head 75 according to the present invention with a sharp bladeedge 76A which is sharp at the bottom.

FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment of a golf putter head 93 according tothe present invention with an adjustable blade 96 and convexly roundedrunner 98.

FIG. 20 illustrates a toe view of the golf putter head 93 of FIG. 19with an adjustable blade 96 and convexly rounded runner 98.

FIG. 21 illustrates a back view of the golf putter head 93 of FIG. 19with an adjustable blade 96 and convexly rounded runner 98.

FIG. 22 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a golf putter head 93with an adjustable, pivoting shaft 112 according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 23 illustrates a cross-section view of the golf putter head 93 ofFIG. 22 taken along the line 23-23 of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 illustrates a cross-section view of the golf putter head 93 ofFIG. 22 taken along the line 24-24 of FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is another embodiment showing a cross-section view of the golfputter head 93 of FIG. 22 taken along the line 24-24 of FIG. 22 with aball 114 with teeth.

FIG. 26 is a front view of a golf putter head showing sharp runners 218perpendicular to the face of the putter.

FIG. 27 is a heel view of a golf putter of FIG. 26 showing one of thesharp runners 218.

FIG. 28 illustrates a face view of an embodiment of a golf putter head310 according to the present invention.

FIG. 29 illustrates a heel end view of the golf putter head 310.

FIG. 30 illustrates a top view of the golf putter head 310.

FIG. 31 illustrates a bottom view of the golf putter head 310.

FIG. 32 illustrates a cross-section view of the golf putter head 310along line 32-32 of FIG. 30.

FIG. 33 illustrates a face view of an embodiment of a golf putter head320 according to the present invention.

FIG. 34 illustrates a heel end view of the golf putter head 320.

FIG. 35 illustrates a top view of the golf putter head 20.

FIG. 36 illustrates a face view of an embodiment of a golf putter head330 according to the present invention.

FIG. 37 illustrates a heel end view of the golf putter head 330.

FIG. 38 illustrates a top view of the golf putter head 330.

FIG. 39 illustrates a back view of the golf putter head 330.

FIG. 40 illustrates a bottom view of the golf putter head 330.

FIG. 41 illustrates a cross-section view of the golf putter 330addressing a golf ball 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All patents, patent applications, government publications, governmentregulations, and literature references cited in this specification arehereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In case ofconflict, the present description, including definitions, will control.Definitions for the following terms are provided to promote a furtherunderstanding of the present invention.

The term “contact area” is the area on either a putter blade or a golfball where there is contact between the ball and the putter blade.

The term “proximal” refers to the side nearest to the golfer.

The term “distal” refers to the side away from the the golfer.

The term “front” or “face” refers to the side of the putter head used asa striking surface which contacts a golf ball. Some putters having acentral shaft can be used in a right or left handed fashion underU.S.G.A. rules. Right handed designations are used herein with referenceto the Figures, however left handed uses and configurations areencompassed by the present invention.

The term “back” refers to the side of the putter head opposed to thefront striking face which contacts a golf ball.

The term “toe” refers to the side or end of the putter head which isaway from the golfer when putting.

The term “heel” refers to the side or end of the putter head which isnear the golfer when putting.

The term “horizontal” refers to the orientation parallel the ground whenthe putter is in use, which corresponds to the plane along the bottomside of the putter head.

The term “vertical” refers to an imaginary line which is normal to thehorizontal plane of the ground, when the putter is in use.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a golf putter10 according to the present invention. The golf putter 10 includes ashaft 12 with a proximal end 12A and a distal end 12B, and a head 15mounted on the distal end 12B of the shaft 12. In one embodiment, theshaft 12 is straight and constructed of chrome plated, connected,concentric steel cylinders 12C as shown in FIG. 1. Adjacent concentricsteel cylinders 12C narrowing in radius from the proximal end 12Atowards the distal end 12B of shaft 12, thereby creating a shaft 12which tapers down from the proximal end 12A to the distal end 12B of theshaft 12. The resulting outward appearance of the shaft 12, is of smoothcylinders 12C which have smooth narrowing steps 12D at the distal endsof each steel cylinder 12C. In other embodiments, the shaft 12 is asingle-piece smoothly tapered stainless steel or graphite. Furtherembodiments of the shaft 12 can be any shaft design known in the art. Insome embodiments, the shaft 12 can be straight from the proximal end 12Aof shaft 12 to within approximately 5.0 inches (127 mm) or fewer abovethe distal end 12B of the shaft 12.

A grip 14 is located at the proximal end of the shaft 12 which allows agolf player to maintain a firm hold on the club. The grip 14 material isconstructed of a wrapped leather strip, and has a circular cross sectionof approximately 1.75 inches (44.5 mm) or less when applied to the shaft12. The resulting grip 14 has a slightly indented spiral 13 upwardtowards the proximal end 12A of shaft 12, where a small rubber cap 17 isinserted. In other embodiments, the grip 14 is constructed of rubber andhas a non-circular cross-section without bulges or waists. In furtherembodiments, the grip 14 can have a continuous, straight, slightlyraised rib along the full length of the grip 14. In further stillembodiments, the putter 10 will have two grips 14 circular incross-section, with both grips coaxial with the shaft 12, separated byat least approximately 1.5 inches (38 mm). However, any grip 14 known inthe art can be used which fits the proximal end 12A of the shaft 12.

The head 15 includes an elongate flat blade 16 and a runner 18. Theelongate flat blade 16 includes a first linear edge as a front edge 16A,and a second linear edge as a back edge 16B, a toe edge 16C, a heel edge16D, a top side 16E, bottom side 16F. The top side 16E and bottom side16F are parallel sides of the blade. A runner 18 is attached to thebottom side 16F of the blade 16. The runner has an inner surface 18A, anouter surface 18B, a front end 18C, and a back end 18D. Runners cancontribute to weighting and optimal center of gravity. The front edge16A of the blade 16 is the striking face for contacting the golf ball 20between the ends defined by toe edge 16C and heel edge 16D, and theparallel sides of the top side 16E and bottom side 16F. The distal end12B of shaft 12 is attached to the top side 16E of blade 16 such thatthe projection of the shaft 12 onto the vertical plane through the frontedge 16A of the blade 16 is 10° or more. In further embodiments, theshaft 12 is attached to the blade 16 such that the projection of theshaft 12 upon a vertical plane through the toe edge 16C of the blade 16is 20° or less. The elongate flat blade 16 is attached to the distal end12B of the shaft 12 near front edge 16A at the center of the length offront edge 16A between toe edge 16C and heel edge 16D. The distal end12B of shaft 12 is attached to the blade 16 at or near the area ofanticipated contact of the blade 16 to the ball. In other embodiments,the shaft 12 is attached to the top side 16E of the blade 16 through asingle plain neck or socket. The length along the neck or socket axis inthese embodiments, following any bends, is approximately 5.0 inches (127mm) or less. The overall length of the putter 10 from proximal end 12Aof the shaft 12 to the outer surface 18B of runner 18 is at leastapproximately 18 inches (457 mm).

FIGS. 2-5 show the putter head 15 from various views. Putter head 15comprises a blade 16 and a runner 18. FIG. 2 illustrates a front view ofthe golf putter head 15 of this embodiment. Elongate flat blade 16 is athin horizontal rectangle with distance from heel edge 16D to toe edge16C (length) approximately twice the distance from front edge 16A toback edge 16B (width). The dimension ratios can vary, however the lengthis greater than the width by U.S.G.A. rules. The front edge 16A of blade16 is the striking face which contacts the golf ball 20. A top side 16Eof the elongate flat blade 16 is attached to the distal end 12B of shaft12. Upon the opposite face of the blade 16 is the bottom face 16F. Arunner 18 with a semi-circular cross section (FIG. 6) is attached to thebottom side of the blade 16, with the front end 18C and back end 18D ofthe runner 18 are directed lengthwise along the blade 16 parallel tofront edge 16A. The outer surface 18B of runner 18 keeps the blade 16the proper distance from the putting surface, and allows for a smoothswinging movement during the stroke.

FIG. 3 illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head, and shows distalend 12B of shaft 12 attached to face 16E near front edge 16A. Heel edge16D of blade 16 is shown in foreground. Outer surface 18B and innersurface 18A of hollow right cylindrical segment runner 18 are shownalong the axis of runner 18. FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the golfputter head with the distal end 12B of shaft 12 attached to the top side16E of the blade 16, centrally located along the length along front edge16A and near to front edge 16A along the width of blade 16. A sightingline 19 is marked along the top side 16E intersecting the front edge 16Aand parallel to the toe edge 16C. FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view ofthe golf putter head with the runner 18 attached to the bottom side ofthe elongate flat blade 16. FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the distal endof shaft 12 and head 15 along the plane indicated by 6-6 in FIG. 2. Thehollow shaft 12 appears oval because of the angle made between theprojection of the club shaft 12 upon the vertical plane. The bottom side16F of plate 16 is shown attached to the front end 18C and back end 18Dof runner 18. Front end 18C and back end 18D are attached forming linesparallel to front edge 16A.

The contact area 24 on the ball 20 and contact area 26 on the blade aresmall. FIG. 8A illustrates the contact area 24 upon the golf ball 20made by striking the ball 20 with the elongate flat blade 16 coveredwith a powder 28. The contact area 24 is estimated by the powder 28transferred from front edge 16A of blade 16 onto the golf ball 20 afterthe ball 20 has been struck with a powder coated front edge 16A of blade16 as shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 9A illustrates the corresponding contactarea 26 upon the elongate flat blade 16 after contacting the golf ball20 of FIG. 8. The contact area 26 can be seen where the powder 28 hasbeen removed from the front edge 16A of blade 16. The front edge 16A ofthe blade 16 was sprayed with a fine powder 28. The powder 28 adhered tothe front edge 16A of the steel blade 16, but was easily removed bycontact. A surface of a golf ball 20 coming into contact with the powder28 was coated with the powder 28 at the contact area 24 with the frontedge 16A of blade 16. The powder 28 coated putter head 15 was then usedupon a golf green to strike a golf ball 20. The golf ball 20 was thenexamined to see the contact area 24 left upon the ball 20. This contactarea 24 represented the area of the ball 20 which strikes the frontblade 16A of the blade 16.

The contact area 24 was compared to the contact area (not shown) createdby striking a ball with a traditional putter. The contact area 24 on theball 20 from the front edge 16A of the elongate flat blade 16 hadnotable differences to the contact areas of a traditional putter. Thecontact area 24 on the golf ball 20 and contact area 26 on the blade 16are both linear with a narrow width, and are also horizontal inorientation. Additionally, the contact area 24 on the ball 20 usuallyspanned the dimple 22 diameter on the golf ball 20 without entering thedimple 22 concavity, so that direction of roll is not influenced by thedimple 22 concavity. Similar results are seen with other putter heads ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9B, 9C, and 9D is a further embodiment of the putter head 85 of thepresent invention further comprising a groove 89 in the front edge 16Aof blade 16. FIG. 9B shows the putter head 85 from a front view, showingthe groove 89 in the front edge 86A of blade 86. Groove 89 runshorizontally across the center line of front edge 86A of the blade 86.Groove 89 is approximately 0.06 inches (1.5 mm) wide and approximately0.04 inches (1.0 mm) deep and extends from heel edge 86D to toe edge86C. FIG. 9D illustrates a cross-section along the line 9D-9D of FIG. 9Bshowing the groove 89 with these dimensions. In further embodiments, thefront edge 86A is flat and not convex.

The head 85 includes an elongate flat blade 86 and a runner 88. Theelongate flat blade 86 includes a first linear edge as a front edge 86A,and a second linear edge as a back edge 86B, a toe edge 86C, a heel edge86D, a top side 86E, bottom side 86F. The top side 86E and bottom side86F are parallel sides of the blade. A runner 88 is attached to thebottom side 86F of the blade 86. The runner has an inner surface 88A, anouter surface 88B, a front end 88C, and a back end 88D. The front edge86A of the blade 86 is the striking face for contacting the golf ball 20between the ends defined by toe edge 86C and heel edge 86D, and theparallel sides of the top side 86E and bottom side 86F. The distal end12B of shaft 12 is attached to the top side 86E of blade 86 such thatthe projection of the shaft 12 onto the vertical plane through the frontedge 86A of the blade 86 is 10° or more. In further embodiments, theshaft 12 is attached to the blade 86 such that the projection of theshaft 12 upon a vertical plane through the toe edge 86C of the blade 86is 20° or less. The elongate flat blade 86 is attached to the distal end12B of the shaft 12 near front edge 86A at the center of the length offront edge 86A between toe edge 86C and heel edge 86D. The distal end12B of shaft 12 is attached to the blade 86 at or near the area ofanticipated contact of the blade 86 to the ball. In other embodiments,the shaft 12 is attached to the top side 86E of the blade 86 through asingle plain neck or socket. The length along the neck or socket axis inthese embodiments, following any bends, is approximately 5.0 inches (127mm) or less. The overall length of the putter 10 from proximal end 12Aof the shaft 12 to the outer surface 88B of runner 88 is at leastapproximately 18 inches (457 mm). Elongate flat blade 86 is a thinhorizontal rectangle with distance from heel edge 86D to toe edge 86C(length) approximately twice the distance from front edge 86A to backedge 86B (width). The dimension ratios can vary, however the length isgreater than the width by U.S.G.A. rules. The front edge 86A of blade 86is the striking face which contacts the golf ball 20. A top side 86E ofthe elongate flat blade 86 is attached to the distal end 12B of shaft12. Upon the opposite face of the blade 86 is the bottom face 86F. Arunner 88 with a semi-circular cross section (FIG. 9D) is attached tothe bottom side of the blade 86, with the front end 88C and back end 88Dof the runner 88 are directed lengthwise along the blade 86 parallel tofront edge 86A. The outer surface 88B of runner 88 keeps the blade 86the proper distance from the putting surface, and allows for a smoothswinging movement during the stroke. FIG. 9C illustrates a heel view ofthe golf putter head, and shows distal end 12B of shaft 12 attached toface 86E near front edge 86A. Heel edge 86D of blade 86 is shown inforeground. Outer surface 88B and inner surface 88A of hollow rightcylindrical segment runner 88 are shown along the axis of runner 88.

FIGS. 10-13 illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention,which includes weights which allow the club to be weighted for aparticular golf swing. The head 44 includes an elongate flat blade 46and a runner 48. The elongate flat blade 46 includes a first linear edgeas a front edge 46A, and a second linear edge as a back edge 46B, a toeedge 46C, a heel edge 46D, a top side 46E, and a bottom side 46F. Thetop side 46E and bottom side 46F are parallel sides of the blade. Arunner 48 is attached to the bottom side 46F of the blade 46. The runnerhas an inner surface 48A, an outer surface 48B, a front end 48C, and aback end 48D. The front edge 46A of the blade 46 is the striking facefor contacting the golf ball 20 between the ends defined by toe edge 46Cand heel edge 46D, and the parallel sides of the top side 46E and bottomside 46F. The distal end 12B of shaft 12 is attached to the top side 46Eof blade 46 such that the projection of the shaft 12 onto the verticalplane through the front edge 46A of the blade 46 is 10° or more. Infurther embodiments, the shaft 12 is attached to the blade 46 such thatthe projection of the shaft 12 upon a vertical plane through the toeedge 46C of the blade 46 is 20° or less. The elongate flat blade 46 isattached to the distal end 12B of the shaft 12 near front edge 46A atthe center of the length of front edge 46A between toe edge 46C and heeledge 46D. The distal end 12B of shaft 12 is attached to the blade 46 ator near the area of anticipated contact of the blade 46 to the ball 20.In other embodiments, the shaft 12 is attached to the top side 46E ofthe blade 46 through a single plain neck or socket. The length along theneck or socket axis in these embodiments, following any bends, isapproximately 5.0 inches (127 mm) or less. The dimensions may vary. Theoverall length of the putter 10 from proximal end 12A of the shaft 12 tothe outer surface 48B of runner 48 is at least approximately 18 inches(457 mm).

The putter head 15 comprises a blade 46 and a runner 48. Elongate flatblade 46 is a thin horizontal rectangle with distance from heel edge 46Dto toe edge 46C (length) approximately twice the distance from frontedge 46A to back edge 46B (width). The dimensions can vary, however thelength is greater than the width by U.S.G.A. rules. The front edge 46Aof blade 46 is the striking face which contacts the golf ball 20. A topside 46E of the elongate flat blade 46 is attached to the distal end 12Bof shaft 12. Upon the opposite face of the blade 46 is the bottom face46F. A runner 48 with a semi-circular cross section is attached to thebottom side 46F of the blade 46, with the front end 48C and back end 48Dof the runner 48 are directed lengthwise along the blade 46 parallel tofront edge 46A. The runner 48 is attached to the bottom side 46F of theblade 46 by means of a weld, screw, or any other means known in the art.The outer surface 48B of runner 48 keeps the blade 46 the properdistance from the putting surface, and allows for a smooth swingingmovement during the stroke. In other embodiments, the runner 48 is ahemisphere. In further embodiments, the runner 48 is thin to avoidscuffing upon the ground. The runner can be of any shape which keepsblade 46 at a height above the ground.

The toe edge 46C and heel edge 46D are curved inward at the center ofthe edge and accept the attachment of toe weight 47 and heel weight 49,respectively. Toe weight 47 and heel weight 49 can be independentlyvaried in mass to fit the swing of the individual golfer. This isimportant when fitting the club to the golfer's individual swing toderive the best possible putt. Toe weight 47 and heel weight 49 can bemade of any dense material to balance the club swing. Toe weight 47curves outward at the attachment edge 47A to closely fit to the toe edge46C of blade 46. The outward edge 47B of toe weight 47 curves smoothlyoutward from toe edge 46C. The top surface 47C of toe weight 47 bulgesupward convexly, while the bottom surface 47D bulges downward convexly.This gives a smooth aesthetic appearance, while allowing for a largervolume and therefore increased mass for the toe weight 47. Likewise, ina symmetrical manner, heel weight 49 curves outward at the attachmentedge 49A to closely fit to the heel edge 46D of blade 46. The outwardedge 49B of heel weight 49 curves smoothly outward from heel edge 46D.The top surface 49C of heel weight 49 bulges upward convexly, while thebottom surface 49D bulges downward convexly. This gives a smoothaesthetic appearance, while allowing for a larger volume and thereforeincreased mass for the heel weight 49. The toe weight 47 and heel weight49 are thereby symmetrical with respect to the center of mass of theblade 16. Addition of toe weight 47 and heel weight 49 of differentmasses allows a user to adjust the center of mass of the complete putterhead 44. Therefore, the center of mass of the putter head 44 can beadjusted to fall behind any point for contacting golf ball 20 alongfront edge 46A which is preferred by the user. In further embodiments,the runner 48 weight can be varied to further shift the center of mass.This can be accomplished by modifying the shape of the runner 48, or thematerial of which the runner 48 is constructed.

FIGS. 14-17 show still a further embodiment of the present inventionfrom various views. The distal end 12B of shaft 12 is attached to theelongate flat blade 66. The elongate flat blade has a first linear edge(front edge) 66A, and a second linear edge (back edge) 66B, a toe edge66C, a heel edge 66D, a top side 66E, and a bottom side 66F. In thisembodiment, the elongate flat blade 66 is formed from a round rod shapedinto a continuous rectangular loop. A rectangular hollow region is thusdefined by the inner sides 66G of the blade 66. The distance from heeledge 66D to toe edge 66C (length) is approximately twice the distancefrom the front edge 66A to back edge 66B (width). The dimensions vary,however the length is greater than the width by U.S.G.A. rule. The frontedge 66A of blade 66 is the striking face which contacts the golf ball20. A top side 66E of the front edge 66A of the elongate flat blade 66is attached to the distal end 12B of shaft 12. Upon the opposite side ofthe blade 66 is the bottom side 66F. A body 64 which is roughlyellipsoid in shape attaches along the center of the length of the golfclub head 61, attaching to the inner side 66G of the blade 66. A convexrunner 68 is connected underneath the body 64 and attaches at front end68A to the inner side 66G of front edge 66A of the blade 66. Likewise,the runner 68 attaches at the back end 68B to the inner surface 66G ofback edge 66B of blade 66. FIG. 15 illustrates a heel view of the golfputter head of FIG. 14, showing the runner 86 under the body 64. FIG. 14illustrates that the runner 68 is narrow in this embodiment. FIG. 17illustrates a cross-section along the plane indicated by 17-17 of FIG.14. While the rod which forms the blade 66 is shown as solid, it can behollow in further embodiments.

FIGS. 18A-C shows still further embodiments of the present inventionfrom a heel view, which have a sharp front edge 76A. The head 75includes an elongate flat blade 76 and a runner 78. The elongate flatblade 76 includes a first linear edge as a front edge 76A, and a secondlinear edge as a back edge 76B, a toe edge 76C, a heel edge 76D, a topside 76E, bottom side 76F. The elongate flat blade 76 comes to a sharpedge in the middle of the front edge 76A of the blade 76 in oneembodiment (FIG. 18B). Further embodiments include a blade which has asharp edge at the bottom (FIG. 18C). In a further embodiment, the frontedge 76A has a sharp edge at the top (FIG. 18A). The front edge 76A ispreferably about 15° or less from vertical in each embodiment by rule.The top side 76E and bottom side 76F are parallel sides of the blade 76.A runner 78 is attached to the bottom side 76F of the blade 76. Therunner 78 has an inner surface 78A, an outer surface 78B, a front end78C, and a back end 78D. The front edge 76A of the blade 76 is thestriking face for contacting the golf ball 20 between the ends definedby toe edge 76C and heel edge 76D, and the parallel sides of the topside 76E and bottom side 76F. The distal end 12B of shaft 12 is attachedto the top side 76E of blade 76 such that the projection of the shaft 12onto the vertical plane through the front edge 76A of the blade 76 is10° or more. In further embodiments, the shaft 12 is attached to theblade 76 such that the projection of the shaft 12 upon a vertical planethrough the toe edge 76C of the blade 76 is 20° or less. The elongateflat blade 76 is attached to the distal end 12B of the shaft 12 nearfront edge 76A at the center of the length of front edge 76A between toeedge 76C and heel edge 76D. The distal end 12B of shaft 12 is attachedto the blade 76 at or near the area of anticipated contact of the blade76 to the ball. In other embodiments, the shaft 12 is attached to thetop side 76E of the blade 76 through a single plain neck or socket. Thelength along the neck or socket axis in these embodiments, following anybends, is approximately 5.0 inches (127 mm) or less. The overall lengthof the putter 10 from proximal end 12A of the shaft 12 to the outersurface 78B of runner 78 is at least approximately 18 inches (457 mm).

Elongate flat blade 76 is a thin horizontal rectangle with distance fromheel edge 76D to toe edge 76C (length) approximately twice the distancefrom front edge 76A to back edge 76B (width). The dimensions can vary,however the length is greater than the width by U.S.G.A. rules. Thefront edge 76A of blade 76 is the striking face which contacts the golfball 20. A top side 76E of the elongate flat blade 76 is attached to thedistal end 12B of shaft 12. Upon the opposite face of the blade 76 isthe bottom face 76F. A runner 78 with a semi-circular cross section isattached to the bottom side of the blade 76, with the front end 78C andback end 78D of the runner 78 are directed lengthwise along the blade 76parallel to front edge 76A. The outer surface 78B of runner 78 keeps theblade 76 the proper distance from the putting surface, and allows for asmooth swinging movement during the stroke. This curved surface keepsthe blade 76 the proper distance from the putting surface, and allowsfor a smooth swinging movement during the stroke. The curvature alsominimizes scuff because of the front to back orientation of the arc asthe club swings along the ground. Also, relatively thin blades in thedirection of the putt can be used as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27hereinafter.

FIG. 19 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of an elongate flatblade putter 93 of the present invention which is useful for fitting agolf putter to a person having a particular golf stroke. The golf putter93 includes a shaft 12, a body 94, a face plate 95, and a convexlyrounded runner 98. The body 94 is a solid block having an L-shape with afront side 94A, back side 94B, toe side 94C, heel side 94D, top side94E, and a bottom side 94F forming an essentially rectangular section,and a flared lower portion 94G which extends outward from therectangular section along the bottom side 94F of the body 94. The distalend 12B of the shaft 12 attaches to the top side 94E of body 94. Thebottom side 94F of the body 94 has a truncated triangular shape suchthat the thickness of the body 94 at the toe side 94C and the heel side94D is less than the thickness of a middle portion of the body 94 spacedbetween the toe and heel side 94D is less than the thickness of a middleportion of the body 94 spaced between the toe and heel sides 94C and94D. The toe to heel length of the front side 94A is longer than thelength of bottom side 94F along flared lower portion 94G of the body 94.The front side 94A of the body 94 has a rectangular hollow portion 94H.

The face plate 95 is mounted in the hollow portion 94H in the front side94A of the body 94. The hollow portion 94H in the front side 94A of thebody 94 has a shape similar to the shape of the face plate 95. In one(1) embodiment, the face plate 95 has a rectangular shape with a frontside 95A, a back side 95B, a toe side 95C, a heel side 95D, a top side95E, and a bottom side 95F. The hollow portion 94H has the same widthand height as the back side 95B of the face plate 95, and is deep as thefront to back width of toe side 95C, heel side 95B, top side 95E, andbottom side 95F of face plate 95, so that the face plate 95 can fitsnugly and flush within the rectangular hollow portion 94H in the frontside 94A of body 94.

An elongate flat blade 96 is contiguous with the front side 95A of theface plate 95. The elongate flat blade 96 is mounted off center from thevertical centerline 95G of front side 95A of face plate 95. This allowsfor the face plate 95 to be inserted in the upside down position withthe bottom side 95F adjacent to the top side 94E of the body 94, so thatthe elongate flat blade 96 can be shifted to a higher or lower verticalposition. In one (1) embodiment, the face plate 95 is attached to thebody 94 by a set of two (2) screws 97 which penetrate the body 94 fromthe back side 94B. FIG. 21 illustrates the back side 94B of putter body94, showing the set of two (2) screws 97. However, it is understood thatthe face plate 95 can be attached to the body 94 by any means well knownin the art. In another embodiment, the means for attaching the faceplate 95 are Allen screws which penetrate the front side 95A of the faceplate 95 into the body 94. When the face plate 95 is mounted within thehollow portion 94H in the front side 94A of the body 94, the blade 96extends outward from the front side 94A of the body 94 in a directionopposite the back side 94B of the body 94. The elongate flat blade 96extends outward horizontally from the front side 95A of face plate 95 sothat the front edge 96A of the blade 96 is used to strike the golf ball20.

The convexly rounded runner 98 has a solid semi-spherical shape and isattached by an attachment means to the bottom side 94F of the body 94 sothat the flat side of the convexly rounded runner 98 is adjacent thebottom side 94F of the body 94. The convexly rounded runner 98 can beattached to the bottom side 94F of the body 94 by any means well knownin the art. In one (1) embodiment, the convexly rounded runner 98 isattached with a screw 99 centrally penetrating the convexly roundedrunner 98 to fasten the convexly rounded runner 98 into the bottom side94F of the body 94. The convexly rounded runner 98 of a width, canthereby be interchanged with a runner of a different width. In furtherembodiments, an Allen wrench is used to switch the convexly roundedrunner 98 from the bottom side 94F of body 94 with another runner of adifferent width. An assortment of runners with a range of radii can beattached, which allow the person being fitted to select the runner whichhas the proper radius for the person's individual golf stroke. In someembodiments of the runner attachment means could not be fastened orremoved with fingers or fingernails, but would require a wrench orsimilar device for attachment or removal of a convexly rounded runner98.

FIGS. 22-24 illustrate various views of one (1) embodiment of anattachment means for pivotably attaching an elongate flat blade putterhead 93 useful for fitting a golf putter to a person having a particulargolf stroke. The attachment means allows for pivoting the axis 112D ofthe shaft 112 with respect to the putter body 118 at a pivot angle whichallows the body 118 to remain parallel to the ground with the particulargolf stroke of a person. The body 118 has a front side 118A, toe side118C, heel side 118D, top side 118E, and flared lower portion 118G. Thebody is a rectangular block towards the top side 118E, and flaresbackward at the flared lower portion 118G towards the bottom side of theputter head 118. The distal end 112B of shaft 112 has inside surfacethreading 112C along the shaft axis. A ball 114 with a threaded metalscrew extension 114A is screwed into the inside threading 112C of distalend 112B of shaft 112 after first inserting the threaded metal screwextension 114A through the opening 116A in a raised central ring 116B insocket head 116. The socket head 116 is a smoothed edge rectangularpiece which has a raised central ring 116B designed with an opening 116Adiameter to hold the ball 114 securely in place in a socket depression118H in the golf head. The socket head 116 is attached to the top side118E of the body 118 by two hexagonal screws 120 penetrating the sockethead 116 adjacent to the raised central ring. One of the screws 120penetrates the socket head 116 towards the toe of the head 118, and theother screw penetrates the socket head 116 towards the heel of the head118.

The ball 114 is thereby attached to the top side 118E of body 118 insocket depression 118B in the center of top side 118E, which allows theshaft to freely pivot along the toe to heel, or the front to back axisof the golf putter head away from the vertical. FIG. 23 illustrates across-section view of the golf putter of FIG. 22 taken along the planeindicated by 30-30 of FIG. 22 showing the inside surface threading 112Calong the shaft axis and the threaded metal screw extension 114A of theball 114 screwed into the inside threading 112C of distal end 112B ofshaft 112. The FIG. 24 illustrates a cross-section view of the golfputter of FIG. 22 taken along the plane indicated by 24-24 of FIG. 22which shows the completed ball and socket pivoting means. The shaft 112with the ball 114 attached can be freely rotated with respect to thevertical in both toe to heel and front to back inclinations. The sockethead 116 firmly holds the ball 114 and accordingly, the shaft 112 inplace against the top side 118E of the head 118. FIG. 25 shows a morepermanent mounting so that the putter will hold its position.

FIG. 25 illustrates a cross-section view of another embodiment of thegolf putter of FIG. 22 taken along the plane indicated by 24-24 of FIG.22 which shows the completed ball and socket pivoting means. The shaft112 with the ball 114 with teeth 118J can be rotated with respect to thevertical in both toe to heel and front to back inclinations and securelyheld in a position. The socket head 116 firmly holds the ball 114 withteeth 118J in place in grooves 118I within socket depression 118H in thehead 118.

FIG. 26 and 27 illustrate a front view of another embodiment of a putterhead 215 with sharp runners 218 which are semicircular and perpendicularto the bottom side 216F of the blade 216. Elongate flat blade 216 is athin horizontal rectangle with distance from heel edge 216D to toe edge216C (length) approximately twice the distance from front edge 216A toback edge 216B (width). The dimension ratios can vary, however thelength is greater than the width by U.S.G.A. rules. The front edge 216Aof blade 216 is the striking face which contacts the golf ball 20. A topside 216E of the elongate flat blade 216 is attached to the distal end12B of shaft 12. Upon the opposite face of the blade 216 is the bottomside 216F. Two sharp runners 218 each with a semi-circular cross sectionare attached to the bottom side of the blade 216 near the toe edge 216Cand heel edge 216D, with the front end 218C and back end 218D of each ofthe sharp runners 218 attached to the bottom side 216F of the blade 216.FIG. 27 illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head of FIG. 26showing one of the sharp runners 218, and also showing distal end 12B ofshaft 12 attached to face 216E near front edge 216A. Heel edge 216D ofblade 216 is shown in foreground. Outermost sharp edge 218A of one ofthe sharp runners 218 attached near heel edge 216D of blade 216 isshown. The outermost sharp edge 218A of sharp runners 218 keep the blade216 the proper distance from the putting surface, and allows for asmooth swinging movement during the stroke

The putter heads 15, 32, 44, 51, 61, 75, 85, 93 and 215 described are ofnarrow width, while the body can be more conventional in size. The heads15, 32, 44, 51, 61, 75, 85, 93 and 215 have a contact area between theblades 16, 36, 46, 56, 66, 76, 86, 96 and 216, and the golf ball 20which are linear, and of narrow width. It is encompassed by the presentinvention that the blades 16, 36, 46, 56, 66, 76, 86, 96 and 216 canincorporate can have various raised designs upon the top side, includingbut not limited to cross designs and designs which resemble the raisedsurface of a scalpel. Additionally, the present invention includesembodiments having toe edges and heel edges which are irregular orangled (sloped). The contact area 24 on the golf ball 20 is horizontalin orientation. Additionally, the contact area 24 on the ball 20 usuallyspans the dimple 22 diameter. While not wishing to be held to any onetheory, the contact area 24 allows the reduction in the release time ofthe ball from the front and thereby the ball starts rolling in lesstime. Additionally, the horizontal and linear contact area 24 geometrycan create a dominant resultant direction of the ball to one plane,while with conventional putters the contact area (not shown) is circularwhich thereby allows for 360° of directional course tracking of theball.

Another aspect of the putter is that the shaft 12 is attached directlyto the elongate flat blades 16, 36, 46, 56, 66, 76, and 86, at or nearthe area of anticipated contact of the blade 16, 36, 46, 56, 66, 76, 86and 216, to the ball 20. This is in contrast to the typical putter whichhas a connection at some distance from the contact site where it isattached to some part of the body of the putter. This customaryconnection requires the force of impact to travel through the mass ofthe club head material prior to entering the shaft of the putter, thusreducing the feel of the contact. The elongate flat blade putter heads15, 32, 44, 51, 61, 75, 85 and 215 intimate connection to theanticipated site of contact produces faster transmission of force of theimpact to the golfer's hands. This produces an improved “feel” which isan important component of putting proficiency. This feature will bevisibly evident on some models of the elongate flat putter by creating acircumferential space between the mass of the putter head and the shaftof the putter giving the appearance of being countersunk.

The surrounding body 34, 64, 94, and 118, or arching top 53 ispredominantly cosmetic to provide a variety of appearances. This is animportant aspect of putter design. However, there are many potentialfunctions of the body 34, 64, 94, and 118, or arching top 53. First, thebody 34, 64, 94, and 118, or arching top 53 provides a potential forvarious weights to meet the individual golfers preferences. Second, thebody 34, 64, 94, and 118, or arching top 53 provides various positionsto position the head weight to optimize the linear nature of thehorizontal contact. Third, the weight of the putter head is transmittedor disbursed to a horizontal narrow striking area by adjusting thecenter of gravity. Fourth, the body 34, 64, 94, and 118 provides theopportunity to create the optimal distance between the ground and thebest possible striking area on the golf ball. This distance can bevaried to accommodate the various swing planes created by differentgolfer's strokes, i.e. direct, up, down, in, out, etc. Additionally, thebody 34, 64, 94, and 118, or arching top 53 will accommodate alignmentlines or graphics.

A shaft 12, 112 can be of any type, including a “belly putter” type (notshown), which is longer than a traditional putter, and allows for astyle of putting where the proximal end of the putter is stabilized onthe player's belly. In some embodiments, the shaft 12, 112 can be of along putter type (not shown). In some embodiments, the shaft 12, 112 isof a traditional short length, at least longer than approximately 18inches (457 mm). In further still embodiments, the shaft 12, 112 isrelatively long (not shown), which makes it ideal for a pendulum styleof golf stroke.

It is anticipated that modular systems could be provided to assist inobtaining the optimal positioning prior to finalization of themanufacture. The modular elongate flat blade could be secured to thefront of existing putters as a straightening device or more permanentlyin accordance with U.S.G.A. rules for competitive play. The geometry andthe narrow front require the most perfect putting stroke by the golfer.That issue is readily recognized. Therefore, the golfer takes more careto create the improved stroke in order to make smooth and precisecontact with the ball 20. This aspect results in self-tutorial onimproving the golfer's putting stroke and therefore improves his game.This feature also can be exploited as a training device.

The present invention further provides the putter heads 310, 320, 330which are elongate blades having a first linear edge which is a frontedge 315, 325, 335 of the putter heads 310, 320, 330, used as a face forstriking a golf ball. The front edge 315, 325, 335 of the putter head310, 320, 330 has a vertical radius which is less than that of the golfball. The golf putter head 310, 320, 330 of the present invention can beused with a variety of shafts and grips. The golf putters which includea shaft 311, 321, 331 with a proximal end (not shown) and a distal end311A, 321A, 331A and a putter head 310, 320, 330 mounted on the distalend 311B, 321B, 331B of the shaft 311, 321, 331 are typically used inthe game of golf on the green or fringe of the green. In one embodiment,the shaft 311, 321, 331 is straight and constructed of chrome plated,connected, concentric steel cylinders. In other embodiments, the shaft311, 321, 331 is a single-piece smoothly tapered stainless steel orgraphite. Further embodiments of the shaft 311, 321, 331 can be anyshaft design known in the art. In some embodiments, the shaft 311, 321,331 can be straight from the proximal end of shaft 311, 321, 331 towithin approximately 5.0 inches (127 mm) or fewer above the distal end311A, 321A, 331A of the shaft 311, 321, 331. The shaft 311, 321, 331 canbe of any type, including a belly putter type (not shown), which islonger than a traditional putter, and allows for a style of puttingwhere the proximal end of the putter is stabilized on the player'sbelly. In some embodiments, the shaft 311, 321, 331 can be of a longputter type (not shown), which makes it ideal for a pendulum style ofgolf stroke. In some embodiments, the shaft 311, 321, 331 is of atraditional short length, at least longer than approximately 18 inches(457 mm).

A grip (not shown) is located at the proximal end of the shaft 311, 321,331 which allows a golf player to maintain a firm hold on the club. Inone embodiment, the grip material can be constructed of a wrappedleather strip, and has a circular cross section of approximately 1.75inches (44.5 mm) or less when applied to the shaft 311, 321, 331. Inother embodiments, the grip is constructed of rubber and has anon-circular cross-section without bulges or waists. In furtherembodiments, the grip can have a continuous, straight, slightly raisedrib along the full length of the grip. In further still embodiments, theputter can have two grips which are circular in cross-section, with bothgrips coaxial with the shaft 311, 321, 331 separated by at leastapproximately 1.5 inches (38 mm). However, any grip known in the art canbe used which fits the proximal end of the shaft 311, 321, 331.

The distal end 311B, 321B, 331B of the shaft 311, 321, 331 can beattached to the putter head 310, 320, 330 exactly centered between thetoe end 313, 323, 333 and the heel end 314, 324, 334 of the putter head310, 320, 330. In other embodiments, the distal end 311A, 321A, 331A ofthe shaft 311, 321, 331 can be attached to the putter head 310, 320, 330just short of center between the toe end 313, 323, 333 and the heel end314, 324, 334 of the putter head 310, 320, 330 to line up the ball offthe end of the shaft. In further embodiments, the distal end 311B, 321B,331B of the shaft 311, 321, 331 can be attached to the putter head 310,320, 330 near the heel end end 314, 324, 334 of the putter head 310,320, 330. In further still embodiments, the distal end 311B, 321B, 331Bof the shaft 311, 321, 331 can be attached to the putter head 310, 320,330 anywhere along the length between the the toe end 313, 323, 333 andthe heel end 314, 324, 334 of the putter head 310, 320, 330. Theinsertion of the shaft can be at a variety of positions: front, middle,hell, toe, etc. The shaft can be straight or bent to accommodateinsertion site and alignment. The putter head 310, 320, 330 can beconstructed of any metal including, but not limited to, aluminum, brass,and steel. Alternatively, the putter head can be made of any othernatural or synthetic material. Also encompassed by the present inventionare golf putters having various markings for alignment of the putterhead 310, 320, 330 to a golf ball. Various weights 318A, 318B, 328A,328B, 338A and 338B can be used to adjust the center of mass along anaxis running front to back, toe to heel, and/or top to bottom for properbalancing of the putter heads 310, 320, 330. The vertical radius of theface of the present invention is less than that of a regulation golfball. Some preferred embodiments of the putter heads 310, 320, 330 havea radius less than half of the radius of a regulation golf ball down toa 0.135 inch (3.43 mm) radius. The regulation golf ball must have adiameter of not less than 1.680 inches (42.67 mm) according to AppendixIII of the USGA Rules of Golf. Golf putter heads 310, 320, 330 having anarrow radius result in a contact area between the elongate blade andthe golf ball which is linear, of narrow width, and essentiallyhorizontal. Such putter heads 310, 320, 330 provide reproduce puttingdistance according to the length of the backswing and putt the golf ballwith a minimal skid distance.

FIGS. 28-32 show one embodiment of a putter head 310 of the presentinvention from various views. Putter head 310 comprises a top side 312and opposing bottom side 317, the bottom side 317 being adjacent to theground when addressing a golf ball. Top side 312 and opposing bottomside 317 are of rectangular shape defined by toe edge 313 and opposingheel edge 314, and first linear front edge 315 and opposing secondlinear back edge 316. The distance from heel edge 314 to toe edge 313(length) is approximately the distance from front edge 315 to back edge316 (width). The length to width dimensions can vary, however the lengthis greater than the width by U.S.G.A. rules. The distal end 311A of theshaft 311 is attached to the top side 312 of putter head 310 such thatthe projection of the shaft 311 onto the vertical plane through thefront edge 315 of the putter head 310 is 10° or more. In furtherembodiments, the shaft 311 is attached to the putter head 310 such thatthe projection of the shaft 311 upon a vertical plane through the toeedge 13 of the putter head 310 is 20° or less. The putter head 310 isattached to the distal end 311A of the shaft 311 near front edge 315 atthe center of the length of front edge 315 between toe edge 313 and heeledge 314. The distal end 311A of shaft 311 is attached to the putterhead 310 at or near the area of anticipated contact of the front edge315 to the ball. In further embodiments, the shaft 311 is attached tothe top side 312 of the putter head 310 through a single plain neck orsocket. The length along the neck or socket axis in these embodiments,following any bends, is approximately 5.0 inches (127 mm) or less. Theoverall length of the putter from proximal end of the shaft 311 to thetop side 312 of putter head 310 is at least approximately 18 inches (457mm).

The front edge 315 of the putter head 310 is linear from toe end 313 toheel end 314, and is convexly curving from top side 312 to bottom side317. The front edge 315 of the putter head 310 of the present inventionis used as a face to strike a golf ball, and has a radius of curvaturewhich is less than the radius of curvature of a regulation size golfball. When the golf putter head 310 is used to strike a golf ball, thecontact area on a golf ball and contact area on the front edge 315 ofthe putter head 310 are both linear with a narrow width, and are alsohorizontal in orientation. Additionally, the contact area on the ballusually spans the dimple diameter on the golf ball without entering thedimple concavity, so that direction of roll is not influenced by thedimple concavity. Further embodiments of the putter head 310 of thepresent invention can include a groove (not shown) in the front edge 315of the putter head 310. The groove can run longitudinally along thecenter line of front edge 315 from toe end 313 to heel end 314 of theputter head 310.

FIG. 32 shows a cross-section along line 32-32 of FIG. 30. Thecross-sectional area tapers from front edge 315 of the putter head 310to back edge 316 of the putter head 310, such that the top side 312 ofthe putter head 310 angles downward towards the bottom side of theputter head 310. In one embodiment, a central rectangular cavity 319defined by a toe wall 319A and opposing heel wall 319B, front wall 319Cand opposing back wall 319D on the sides and top wall 319E on top isremoved from the bottom of the putter head 310.

In one embodiment, the putter head 310 has a toe weight 318A and a heelweight 318B attached to the back of the top side 312 near to the toe end313 and heel end 314, respectively. Toe weight 318A and heel weight 318Bcan be independently varied in mass to fit the swing of the individualgolfer. This is important when fitting the club to the golfer'sindividual swing to derive the best possible putt. Toe weight 318A andheel weight 318B can be made of any dense material to balance the clubswing. The weight 318A and heel weight 318B are thereby symmetrical withrespect to each other. Addition of toe weight 318A and heel weight 318Bof different masses allows a user to adjust the center of mass of thecomplete putter head 310. Therefore, the center of mass of the putterhead 310 can be adjusted to fall behind any point for contacting golfball along front edge 315 which is preferred by the user.

FIGS. 33-35 show another embodiment of a golf putter head 320 of thepresent invention from various views. Putter head 320 comprises a topside 322 and opposing bottom side 327, the bottom side 327 beingadjacent to the ground when addressing a golf ball. Top side 322 andopposing bottom side 327 are of rectangular shape defined by toe edge323 and opposing heel edge 324, and first linear front edge 325 andopposing second linear back edge 326. The distance from heel edge 324 totoe edge 323 (length) is greater than the distance from front edge 325to back edge 326 (width). The length to width dimensions can vary,however the length is greater than the width by U.S.G.A. rules. Thedistal end 321A of the shaft 321 is attached to the top side 322 ofputter head 320 such that the projection of the shaft 321 onto thevertical plane through the front edge 325 of the putter head 320 is 10°or more. In further embodiments, the shaft 321 is attached to the putterhead 320 such that the projection of the shaft 321 upon a vertical planethrough the toe edge 323 of the putter head 320 is 20° or less. Theputter head 320 is attached to the distal end 321A of the shaft 321 nearfront edge 325 at the center of the length of front edge 325 between toeedge 323 and heel edge 324. The distal end 321A of shaft 321 is attachedto the putter head 320 at or near the area of anticipated contact of thefront edge 325 to the ball. In further embodiments, the shaft 321 isattached to the top side 322 of the putter head 320 through a singleplain neck or socket. The length along the neck or socket axis in theseembodiments, following any bends, is approximately 5.0 inches (127 mm)or less. The overall length of the putter from proximal end of the shaft321 to the top side 322 of putter head 310 is at least approximately 18inches (457 mm).

The front edge 325 of the putter head 320 is linear from toe end 323 toheel end 324, and is convexly curving from top side 322 to bottom side327. The front edge 325 of the putter head 320 of the present inventionis used as a face to strike a golf ball, and has a radius of curvaturewhich is less than the radius of curvature of a regulation size golfball. When the golf putter head 320 is used to strike a golf ball, thecontact area on a golf ball and contact area on the front edge 325 ofthe putter head 320 are both linear with a narrow width, and are alsohorizontal in orientation. Additionally, the contact area on the ballusually spans the dimple diameter on the golf ball without entering thedimple concavity, so that direction of roll is not influenced by thedimple concavity. Further embodiments of the putter head 320 of thepresent invention can include a groove (not shown) in the front edge 325of the putter head 320. The groove can run longitudinally along thecenter line of front edge 325 from toe end 323 to heel end 324 of theputter head 320.

FIG. 34 shows a heel end view of the putter head 320. Thecross-sectional area of putter head 320 tapers from back edge 325 of theputter head 320 to front edge 326 of the putter head 320, such that thetop side 322 of the putter head 320 angles downward towards the bottomside of the putter head 320. In one embodiment of the putter head 320the front edge 325, which is used as a striking face, is one half (½)inch (12.7 mm) wide and has a one quarter (¼) inch (6.4 mm) radius.

In further embodiments of putter head 320 optionally include a toeweight 328A and a heel weight 328B, attached to and convexly projectingfrom the bottom side 322 near to the toe end 323 and heel end 324,respectively. Toe weight 328A and heel weight 328B can double as runnersand can be independently varied in mass to fit the swing of theindividual golfer. This is important when fitting the club to thegolfer's individual swing to derive the best possible putt. Toe weight328A and heel weight 328B can be made of any dense material to balancethe club swing. The toe weight 328A and heel weight 328B are therebysymmetrical with respect to each other. Addition of toe weight 328A anda heel weight 328B of different masses allows a user to adjust thecenter of mass of the complete putter head 320 and also double asrunners. Therefore, the center of mass of the putter head 320 can beadjusted to fall behind any point for contacting golf ball along frontedge 325 which is preferred by the user. In one embodiment the putterhead 320 is bottom side back weighted. In one embodiment, the putterhead 320 weighs approximately 350 grams.

FIGS. 36-41 show another embodiment of a putter head 330 of the presentinvention from various views. Putter head 330 comprises a top side 332and opposing bottom side 337, the bottom side 337 being adjacent to theground when addressing a golf ball. Top side 332 and opposing bottomside 337 are of a “D” shape defined by straight linear front edge 335and an essentially elliptical portion defined by toe edge 333, back edge336, and heel edge 334. The distance from heel edge 334 to toe edge 333(length ρ) is greater than the distance from front edge 335 to back edge336 (width δ). The length to width dimensions can vary, however thelength is greater than the width by U.S.G.A. rules. The distal end 331Aof the shaft 331 is attached to the top side 332 of putter head 330. Theputter head 330 is attached to the distal end 331A of the shaft 331 nearfront edge 335 at the center of the length of front edge 335 between toeedge 333 and heel edge 334. The distal end 331A of shaft 331 is attachedto the putter head 330 near the heel edge 334 and the front edge 335 ofthe top side 332 of putter head 330. In further embodiments, the shaft331 is attached to the top side 332 of the putter head 330 through asingle plain neck or socket. The length along the neck or socket axis inthese embodiments, following any bends, is approximately 5.0 inches (127mm) or less. The overall length of the putter from proximal end of theshaft 331 to the top side 332 of putter head 130 is at leastapproximately 18 inches (457 mm).

The front edge 335 of the putter head 330 is linear from toe end 333 toheel end 334 along a horizontal plane, and is convexly curving from topside 332 to bottom side 337 in the vertical orientation. The front edge335 of the putter head 330 is used as a face to strike a golf ball, andhas a vertical radius of curvature which is less than the radius ofcurvature of a regulation size golf ball 20 as seen in FIG. 41. When thegolf putter head 330 is used to strike a golf ball, the contact areaupon the golf ball and contact area on the front edge 335 of the putterhead 330 are both linear with a narrow width, and are also horizontal inorientation, similar to the contact area 24 seen in FIGS. 8 and 8A.Additionally, the contact area on the ball usually spans the dimplediameter on the golf ball without entering the dimple concavity, so thatdirection of roll is not influenced by the dimple concavity. Furtherembodiments of the putter head 330 of the present invention can includea groove (not shown) in the front edge 335 of the putter head 330. Inone embodiment, the groove runs longitudinally along the center line offront edge 335 from toe end 333 to heel end 334 of the putter head 330.

FIG. 37 shows a heel edge view of putter head 330. The putter head 330tapers from front edge 335 to back edge 336 of the putter head 330, suchthat the top side 332 of the putter head 330 angles downward towards thebottom side 337 of the putter head 330. A central depression 339 in thetop side 332 is bordered by a toe wall 339A and an opposing heel wall339B, both of which smoothly indent from the top side 332, and a flatfront wall 339C. The central depression 339 can be used to pick up agolf ball. In some embodiments a raised curved projection 339D extendsslightly above the central depression 339 from the flat front wall 339C,however this is optional. In other embodiments the central depression339 extends without projections smoothly into flat front wall 339C.

The putter head 330 includes a circular toe weight 338A and a circularheel weight 338B, both secured within corresponding circular depressionsinto the bottom side 332 towards the toe end 333 and heel end 334,respectively. Toe weight 338A and heel weight 338B can be independentlyvaried in mass to fit the swing of the individual golfer. This isimportant when fitting the club to the golfer's individual swing toderive the best possible putt. Toe weight 338A and heel weight 338B canbe made of any dense material to balance the club swing. The toe weight338A and heel weight 338B are thereby physically symmetrical withrespect to each other, however they can be of different weights toadjust the center of mass from the centerline. Addition of toe weight338A and heel weight 338B of different masses allows a user to adjustthe center of mass of the complete putter head 330. Therefore, thecenter of mass of the putter head 330 can be adjusted to fall behind anypoint for contacting golf ball along front edge 335 which is preferredby the user, that is it allows the putter head 330 to be face balanced.Merits of this embodiment is that it allows for posterior and/orinferior weighting, and adjustable weighting by varying materials usedfor toe weight 338A and heel weight 338B. The center of mass can beshifted from the centerline along the length of the putter head 330 adistance a, from the front of the face along the width of the putterhead 330 a distance γ, and from the bottom side of the putter head 330 adistance ε as shown in FIGS. 36 and 37. In a preferred embodiment, thetoe weight 338A and heel weight 338B each are drilled and counterboredfor attachment using cap screws (not shown). In a preferred embodimentof the putter head 330, the total weight is 350 grams with the toeweight 338A and the heel weight 338B and cap screws attached. In thisembodiment, the length ρ is 3.387, the width δ is 2.236, the face heightθ is 0.824, while the the center of mass is located such that α=0.087,γ=1.238, and ε=0.408 without cap screws or shaft 331 attached, forposterior and inferior weighting.

The putter heads 310, 320, 330 have a contact area between the frontedge 315, 325, 335 and a golf ball which is linear, and of narrow width.The vertical radius of the front edge 315, 325, 335 is less than that ofa golf ball, and in some embodiments less than half of the radius of agolf ball. In some embodiments of the putter heads 310, 320, 330, thevertical radius is ⅛ inch (3.2 mm) to 7/16 inches (11.1 mm). The contactarea on the golf ball when struck by the putter heads 310, 320, 330 ishorizontal in orientation. The slope of the putter heads 310, 320, 330can be front to back (i.e. cross-section narrowing towards the back) orback to front (i.e. cross-section widening towards the back).Preferably, the weight of the putter heads 310, 320, 330 of the presentinvention is between 250 to 450 grams, however other weighted putterheads 310, 320, 330 are encompassed by the present invention. The weightof the putter heads 310, 320, 330 is most preferably 350 grams. Theputter heads 310, 320, 330 can be constructed of any metal including,but not limited to, aluminum, brass, and steel. Alternatively, theputter heads 310, 320, 330 can be made of any other natural or syntheticmaterial. Further embodiments of the putter heads 310, 320, 330incorporate various means of providing bottom weighting to the putterheads 310, 320, 330, and include embodiments having bottom posteriorweighting.

Additionally, the contact area on the ball usually spans the dimplediameter. While not wishing to be held to any one theory, the contactarea allows the reduction in the release time of the ball from the frontedge 315, 325, 335 and thereby the ball starts rolling in less time.Additionally, the horizontal and linear contact area geometry can createa dominant resultant direction of the ball to one plane, while withconventional putters the contact area is circular, which thereby allowsfor 360° of directional course tracking of the ball. Putting with aconventional putter or one with a round surface produces a circular areaof contact on the putter and ball. Putting with the golf putter heads310, 320, 330 of the present invention creats a contact area on the ballwhich is horizontal and linear.

Another aspect of the putter is that the shaft 311, 321, 331 is attachedto the putter head 310, 320, 330 at or near the area of anticipatedcontact of the front edge 315, 325, 335 to a golf ball. This is incontrast to the typical putter which has a connection at some distancefrom the contact site where it is attached to some part of the body ofthe putter. This customary connection requires the force of impact totravel through the mass of the club head material prior to entering theshaft of the putter, thus reducing the feel of the contact. The intimateconnection to the anticipated site of contact produces a fastertransmission of force of the impact to the golfers hands. This producesan improved “feel” which is important component of putting proficiency.

The putter head 310, 320, 330 provides a potential for various weights318A, 318B, 328A, 328B, 338A, 338B to meet the individual golferspreferences. Various positions of the head weight can be used tooptimize the linear nature of the horizontal contact. Third, the weightof the putter head is transmitted or disbursed to a horizontal narrowstriking area by adjusting the center of gravity. Additionally, theputter head will accommodate alignment lines or graphics.

The putter heads were machined using a computer numerical control (CNC)mill during manufacturing. The ball striking face of the club is themost important part of the club. Initially the face was machined so thathalf of the width was machined and then the other half was machined. Itwas found that this created a thin flat line in the center of the face(i.e. transition line). The machining was then modified so that 75% ofthe face, usually from the top of the face down, was machined so thatthe transition line did not occur at a ball striking portion of theface. This resulted in a significant performance improvement in theputter.

EXAMPLE 1

A golf putter 10 was constructed using a commercially available shaft 12and grip 14. The head 15 was constructed as illustrated in FIGS. 2-5.The putter blade 16 and runner 18 were constructed from steel plate. Thetop side 16E of the flat blade 16 was welded to the distal end of achromed steel shaft 12. Upon the bottom side 16F of the blade 16 a steelrunner 18 was welded to the bottom side of the blade.

EXAMPLE 2

A golf putter was constructed using a commercially available shaft 12and grip 14. The head was constructed as illustrated in FIGS. 36-40,without the optional raised curved projection 339D. The golf putter invarious constructs was tested on the Swing Dynamics (Carlsbad, Calif.)machine with a TITLEIST® golf ball, and the results were tabulated inTables 1 designated as putter head 330. Table 2 tabulates data from thisputter head 330 with a golfer hitting the golf ball at various angles.The labels in the “Putter head” column designated “330 Toe”, “330 Heel”,“330 High”, “330 Low” refer to contact on the toe, heel, high (top), andlow (bottom) portions of the face, respectively. Multiple tests wereperformed with contact at the center of the club face and the center ofthe ball in Table 1. Some of the significant test findings were theimpact club head speed, the impact ball speed, and the true roll speed.A perfect result would be that the values are all the same, however thisis not physically possible. Another test finding was the skid distance.Ideally, the skid distance is equal to zero, however this is notphysically possible.

The golf putters according to the present invention include the putterhead 330 which showed club head speeds of 2.7 MPH, impact ball speeds of3.9 MPH to 4.0 MPH and true roll speed of 3.3 MPH and 3.4 MPH. This isthe best ever on this machine. The numbers were low and consistent. Thecontrol golf putter is a traditional putter, the BULLS EYE® golf puttershown in Table 2, which had impact club speed of 2.3 MPH, impact ballspeed of 4.9 MPH and true roll speed drop off to 2.9 MPH. The putterhead 330 of the present invention resulted in a skid distance of 13.7inches to 14.1 inches, while the BULLS EYE® had a 35.6 inch skiddistance. The BULLS EYE® was at one time the most popular putter ingolf. Other Johnson golf putters according to the present invention weretested and did well. The best results were from a 250 gram horizontalblade putter head 15 (T) with center shaft position with weldedattachment. This is putter head 15 of FIGS. 2-5 further includingweights added on the top back of the blade. Putter head 320 (−) isputter head 320 as in FIGS. 33-35 without either toe weight 328A or heelweight 328B. TABLE 1 Impact Club Impact Ball True Roll Skid Head SpeedSpeed Speed Distance Putter Head (MPH) (MPH) (MPH) (Inches) 330 2.7 3.93.3 13.8 330 2.7 3.9 3.3 13.7 330 2.5 4.0 3.4 14.0 330 2.7 3.9 3.3 13.8330 2.7 4.0 3.4 14.1  15 (T) 3.7 4.9 4.4 14.2  15 (T) 3.6 4.9 4.3 14.1 15 (T) 3.6 5.0 4.3 16.7  15 (T) 3.7 4.9 4.2 13.9  15 (T) 3.7 4.9 4.416.8  15 (T) 3.7 4.8 4.2 14.2 320 (—) 2.5 4.3 3.5 18.0 320 (—) 2.5 4.23.6 14.9 320 (—) 2.6 4.3 3.5 18.2 320 (—) 2.5 4.3 3.5 14.8 320 (—) 2.54.4 3.5 18.4 320 (—) 2.5 4.4 3.5 15.1

TABLE 2 Impact Club Impact Ball True Roll Skid Head Speed Speed SpeedDistance Putter Head (MPH) (MPH) (MPH) (Inches) 330 Toe 2.7 4.6 3.5 19.0330 Toe 2.8 4.7 3.7 19.8 330 Toe 2.8 4.3 3.3 17.9 330 Toe 2.8 4.3 3.417.8 330 Toe 2.8 4.3 3.2 20.8 330 Toe 2.8 4.2 3.4 18.1 330 Toe 2.8 4.23.3 18.0 330 Heel 2.9 4.4 3.7 18.4 330 Heel 2.8 4.4 3.5 18.8 330 Heel2.9 4.4 3.6 19.0 330 Heel 2.9 4.5 3.6 19.1 330 Heel 2.9 4.4 3.5 18.8 330Heel 2.8 4.5 3.6 18.9 330 High 2.9 3.6 2.5 36.3 330 High 3.0 3.9 3.5 6.8330 High 3.0 3.8 3.4 9.8 330 Low 2.8 4.8 3.4 23.3 330 Low 2.8 4.6 3.523.4 330 Low 2.9 4.6 3.6 23.7 330 Low 2.8 4.6 3.4 22.8 330 1.2 3.7 3.216.1 330 1.2 3.9 3.2 13.2 330 2.0 3.5 3.1 12.4 330 2.0 4.1 3.5 14.2 3302.0 3.6 3.1 12.8 BULLSEYE ® 2.3 4.9 2.9 35.6  15 2.2 4.6 3.7 15.7

EXAMPLE 3

Putter head 320 in Table 3 is sloped front to higher at the back asshown in FIGS. 33-35. The face is ½ inch wide and ¼ inch in radius. Itis weighted on the bottom side back of the putter head. This putter headweighed approximately 350 grams with weights and is near to centershafted.

Putter head 15 (B) in Table 3 has a narrow face of ¼ inch with a ⅛ inradius as shown in FIGS. 1-5 further including a lead weight placedcentrally at the bottom enclosed by runner 18. The putter head weighs270 grams with the lead weight and is near center shafted.

Putter head 310 in Table 3 is sloped high front to low back as shown inFIGS. 28-32. The face is ¾ inch wide and ⅜ inch in radius. This slopingencourages the preferred putter stroke. It weighs 303 grams withoutadded weights and 350 grams or more depending upon how much weight isplaced in divots at back 318A and 318B. The putter is near centershafted. TABLE 3 Impact Club Impact Ball True Roll Skid Head Speed SpeedSpeed Distance Putter (MPH) (MPH) (MPH) (Inches) 320 2.3 3.6 3.0 12.9320 2.3 3.6 3.1 12.9 320 2.3 3.6 3.1 13.0 320 2.4 4.0 3.2 13.5 320 2.33.6 3.0 12.8 320 2.3 3.6 3.1 12.8  15 (B) 2.6 3.7 3.1 16.1  15 (B) 0.63.7 3.2 13.0  15 (B) 2.6 3.7 3.2 13.3  15 (B) 2.5 3.6 3.2 12.8  15 (B)2.2 3.6 3.1 12.8  15 (B) 2.5 3.6 3.2 12.9 310 2.5 4.3 2.9 22.6 310 2.44.1 3.1 17.6 310 2.5 4.1 3.1 17.4 310 2.4 4.1 3.0 20.0 310 2.4 4.2 3.117.4 310 2.5 4.2 3.0 17.2

EXAMPLE 4

Putting with a conventional putter or one with a round surface produceda circular area of contact on the putter and ball, while putting with asand iron has the potential to create a horizontal linear pattern ofcontact on the blade and the ball 20. Putting with the elongate flatblade putter head 15, 32 created a contact area 24 on the ball which washorizontal and linear. The stroke feel was great, and distance controlwas surprising. The geometry of the elongate flat blade 16, 36, 46, 56,66, 76, 86, and 96 allows for various angles of approach and positionsof contact (FIGS. 7A-7C). The elongate flat blade 16, 36, 46, 56, 66,76, 86, and 96 can strike the ball 20 along the center of the ball 20(FIG. 7A) or off-center of the ball 20 (FIG. 7B). The angle of approachallows control of roll of the ball 20. Striking the ball 20 in upward(FIG. 7D) or downward (FIG. 7C) angles of approach resulted in straighttracking of the ball, especially when compared to conventional putters.There was surprisingly little bounce when striking the ball 20 in upward(FIG. 7B) or downward (FIG. 7D) angles of approach. The putter 10 workedwell off the fringe of the green. For some golfers, there was a smootherroll when a forward press was used.

While the present invention is described herein with reference toillustrated embodiments, it should be understood that the invention isnot limited hereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access tothe teachings herein will recognize additional modifications andembodiments within the scope thereof. Therefore, the present inventionis limited only by the Claims attached herein.

1. A golf putter having a shaft with a grip at a proximal end and a headat a distal end of the shaft for contacting a golf ball on the groundduring putting of the golf ball, the improvement in the head whichcomprises: an elongate blade having opposed ends, with a top side and abottom side, and a first linear edge extending therebetween, wherein thetop side of the blade is mounted on the distal end of the shaft and thefirst linear edge acts as a striking face for the golf ball and strikesthe golf ball in an essentially linear contact area horizontal to theground.
 2. The putter of claim 1 wherein the head is configured so thatduring use the striking face is optimally aligned to the golf ball alonga horizontal plane of the ball.
 3. The putter of claim 1 wherein thestriking face is sharp, pointed, flat, or curved.
 4. The putter of claim1 wherein a single groove extends along a length of the striking face.5. The putter of claim 1 wherein the striking face is curved with aradius of curvature less than a radius of the golf ball.
 6. The putterof claim 1 wherein the striking face is capable of striking the golfball at, above, or below a median of the golf ball and from variousangles of approach.
 7. The putter of any one of claim 1 wherein theblade is tapered between the first linear edge and a second linear edgeparallel to the first linear edge.
 8. The putter of any one of claim 1further comprising weights in the posterior, inferior of the putterhead.
 9. A golf putter having a shaft with a grip at a proximal end anda head at a distal end of the shaft for contacting a golf ball on theground during putting of the golf ball, the improvement in the headwhich comprises: (a) an elongate blade having opposed ends, with a topside and a bottom side, and a first linear edge extending therebetween,wherein the top side of the blade is mounted on the distal end of theshaft and the first linear edge acts as a striking face for the golfball and strikes the golf ball in an essentially linear contact areahorizontal to the ground; and (b) a runner provided on the bottom sideof the blade wherein during putting, the runner acts to space the bottomside of the blade from the ground.
 10. The putter of claim 9 wherein therunner extends between the first linear edge and a second liner edge,and is convexly rounded between the linear edges.
 11. The putter ofclaim 9 wherein a bottom of the head is convexly rounded between theends of the blade.
 12. The putter of any one of claim 9 wherein weightsare variously mounted on the head which act to stabilize the head duringputting.
 13. The putter of any one of claim 9 wherein the bottom of thehead is provided with a convexly rounded semi-circular protrusionextending from the blade as the runner.
 14. The putter of any one ofclaim 9 wherein the head is metal or metal substitute.
 15. The putter ofany one of claim 9 wherein the blade is metal or metal substitute andhaving a non-metal portion on the top and bottom sides of the blade. 16.The putter of any one of claim 9 wherein the shaft of the putter ismounted on the top side of the blade adjacent to the first linear edgewhere the edge strikes the ball.
 17. The putter of any one of claim 9wherein the shaft of the putter is mounted at the center of the top sideof the blade.
 18. The putter of any one of claim 9 wherein the strikingface is less than one half of the diameter of the golf ball thickbetween the sides defining the first linear edge.
 19. The putter of anyone of claim 9 wherein the head is configured so that during use thestriking face is optimally aligned to the golf ball along a horizontalplane of the ball.
 20. The putter of any one of claim 9 wherein thestriking face is sharp, pointed, flat, or curved.
 21. The putter of anyone of claim 9 wherein a single groove extends along a length of thestriking face.
 22. The putter of any one of claim 9 wherein the strikingface is curved with a radius of curvature less than a radius of the golfball.
 23. The putter of any one of claim 9 wherein the striking face iscapable of striking the golf ball at, above, or below a median of thegolf ball.
 24. The putter of any one of claim 9 wherein the blade istapered between the first linear edge and a second linear edge parallelto the first linear edge.
 25. The putter of any one of claim 9 furthercomprising weights in the posterior, inferior of the putter head.
 26. Amodular putter head for attachment to a head of an existing putter whichcomprises: (a) an elongate blade with a first linear edge extendingbetween ends of the blade and top and bottom sides of the blade, andforming a striking face for a golf ball, which during putting strikesthe ball in an essentially linear, horizontal line of contact, and witha second linear edge parallel to the first linear edge and extendingbetween the ends of the blade; and (b) attachment means for securing theblade to the head of the putter.
 27. The putter head of claim 26 whereinthe bottom side of the blade provides a runner which is adjacent to aground and the top side is attached to a shaft.
 28. The putter head ofclaim 26 wherein the runner is narrow and convexly curved, so that inuse the runner minimizes skidding against the ground.
 29. The putterhead of any one of claim 26 wherein the blade is tapered between thefirst linear edge and a second linear edge parallel to the first linearedge.
 30. The putter head of any one of claim 26 further comprisingweights in the posterior, inferior of the putter head.
 31. A method oftraining a golfer to perfect a stroke for putting a golf ball whichcomprises: (a) gripping a golf putter having a shaft with a grip at aproximal end and a head for contacting the golf ball during putting at adistal end of the shaft, for putting a golf ball, the improvement in thehead which comprises an elongate blade with a first linear edge as astriking face for the golf ball between ends of the blade and parallelside of the blade, which edge during putting strikes the ball in anessentially linear horizontal line of contact, and with a second linearedge parallel to the first linear edge between the ends of the blade;and (b) stroking the ball repeatedly with the putter to perfect thestroke for putting of the golf ball.
 32. The method of claim 31 whereina bottom of the sides of the blade provides a runner which is adjacentto a ground and a top of the sides is attached to the shaft.
 33. Themethod of any one of claim 31 wherein the blade is tapered between thefirst linear edge and a second linear edge parallel to the first linearedge.
 34. The method of any one of claim 31 further comprising weightsin the posterior, inferior of the putter head.
 35. A golf putter forfitting to an individual golf stroke comprising: (a) a shaft with aproximal end and a distal end; (b) attachment means for pivotablyattaching a putter head to the distal end of the shaft; (c) an elongateblade having opposed ends and a top side and a bottom side, andpivotably attached on the top side to the attachment means allowing forselection of a desired angle of the blade relative to the shaft; (d) oneor more weights removably connected to the elongate blade; and (e) anadjustable runner having a height and attached to the bottom side of theelongate flat blade.
 36. The golf putter of claim 35 wherein the weightsare attached to the opposed ends of the blade.
 37. The putter of any oneof claim 35 wherein the blade is tapered between the first linear edgeand a second linear edge parallel to the first linear edge.
 38. A methodof fitting a golf putter to an individual golf stroke of a person whichcomprises the steps of: (a) providing a golf putter to a personcomprising a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end, an attachmentmeans for pivotably attaching a putter head to the distal end of theshaft, an elongate blade having opposed ends and a top side and a bottomside and pivotably attached on the top side to the attachment meansallowing for selection of a desired angle of the blade relative to theshaft, one or more weights removably connected to the elongate blade,and an adjustable runner having a height and attached to the bottom sideof the elongate flat blade; (b) determining the golf stroke of theperson; (c) adjusting a runner height to the golf stroke of the person;(d) weighting the putter with the one or more weights to set a center ofmass of the head to a point behind a contact area of the blade with agolf ball, particular to the golf stroke of the person; (e) pivoting theshaft with respect to the elongate flat blade at a pivot angle to allowthe blade to remain parallel to the ground for the particular golfstroke of the person; and (f) measuring the runner height, the one ormore weights, and the desired angle for the purpose of fitting theputter to the particular golf stroke of the person.
 39. The method ofclaim 38 wherein the blade is tapered between the first linear edge anda second linear edge parallel to the first linear edge.